Millions of Ukrainian lives will be under threat this winter as the temperatures plummet amidst Russia’s continued heavy bombardment on the country’s infrastructure, severing the energy supplies, fears the World Health Organization.
“This winter will be about survival,” he warned at a news conference in Kyiv, emphasizing that 10 million Ukrainians are currently without power.
“Half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is either damaged or destroyed. This is already having knock-on effects on the health system and on people’s health,” said WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Henri P Kluge.
According to the WHO, average winter temperatures in Ukraine are about 27 degrees Fahrenheit and are expected to reach minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20C) in various parts of the country this winter.
Meanwhile, Russia has also been targeting missile strikes on energy infrastructure, including water and electricity stations, in recent weeks, leaving homes across the country without power.
Last week, Russia hit several energy installations and civilian infrastructure in one of its heaviest aerial bombings since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February.
Over three million Ukrainians could leave their homes in search of warmth and shelter, as per the WHO estimates.
Conserve energy
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also urged citizens in his nightly address to do everything they can to conserve energy, particularly during peak hours.
Over 6,500 civilians have been killed so far during the course of the war and more than 10,000 wounded, according to the U.N report.
Health Sector deteriorated
Talking about Ukraine’s falling health system Dr. Kluge said the health system is “facing its darkest days in the war so far”, and the best solution is to end the conflict.
He added that hundreds of hospitals and healthcare facilities were “no longer fully operational, lacking fuel, water, and electricity to meet basic needs” as a result of the attacks.
Maternity wards need incubators, intensive care beds need ventilators and blood banks need refrigerators Dr. Kluge said, noting that “all require energy”.